Ivan Dale Stettler, 90, of Lima, died at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2013, at his residence. He was born August 25, 1922, at home in Richland Township in Allen County, to William Henry “Will” and Nettie Mae (Oberly) Stettler who preceded him in death. He always used August 21, 1922 as his birthdate because, his mother said, “that was when he was born, despite what the birth certificate said.” She was there.
He married Beverly Ann (Sheely) McGinnis on February 14, 1986 and she survives.
Mr. Stettler was a self-employed carpenter and a farmer. He enjoyed raising sheep for many years. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II serving on the LST-916 in the Pacific Theater. His first ship, LST-228 ran aground off Bahia Angra Island, Azores. The shipwrecked sailors spent some time with the British Forces in Portugal until they returned to the States. He was a life member of V.F.W. Post 1275, and attended Bluelick Bible Church. He attended a one- room school, the Phillips School, then Beaverdam School. He graduated from Lima South High School in 1941 and attended Ohio Northern University.
Also surviving are his children: Lon M. (Laurie) Stettler of Fairfield, OH, Brian G. Stettler, Jay A. Stettler, Marsha K. (Virgil II) Telljohann all of Lima, and Sondra L. Hale of Spencerville; stepsons: Capt. Brian R. (Kimberly) McGinnis of Lakehurst, NJ and Craig S. (Jennifer) McGinnis of Honolulu, HI; a sister, Orma Witham of Melbourne, FL.; twelve grandchildren, four step grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Ellaree (Dotson) Stettler, 2 infant sons; three siblings and their spouses: Merton (Buelah) Stettler, Dorothea (Norman) Schroer and Eileen (Harold) Slade.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, with Pastor James Neighbors officiating. Burial will follow in Bluelick Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 2-8 p.m., in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Equestrian Therapy Program or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences can be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com
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